Written by Keisha Carter – Prayer Director
James 1:2-5(NLT) – Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. 3 For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. 5 If you need wisdom – if you want to know what God wants you to do – ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.
We know this scripture all too well, how many times have we heard it, spoken it, meditated on it, yet, when trials come, how quickly it escapes us.
Today it’s time to really get that Joy that James talked about. Clearly there must be a reason I should be rejoicing when faced with trials. Well let’s break down the scriptures for the answer. James first starts with “when trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy”. Now, I am not one to like trouble, much less think of it as an opportunity for Joy.
All, this scripture convicted me, simply because I do not have that immediate response system set up in my life at the time. When people have said a few things about me, looked “down” at me because of their status, or in some cases, been “downright evil” in what they have said and done, the response elicited was usually not one of Joy.
There must be a reason why James implores us to have such a unique response. Let’s look at the next verse. “For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow”. Beloved, when these trials come they are a test of Faith. Again, not my first thought when I am facing financial issues, on-the-job issues, or people issues- a test of my Faith? So it seems like James wants us to recognize when our Faith is being tested.
Now, I don’t know about you, but for me, one of two things usually happens if I realize my faith is being tested. I either notice I have no faith in that particular area or I need to dig deeper in the Word to find scriptures to stand on. Sometimes it’s hard for us to understand what’s happening, but if we recognize a “lack of Faith” our first response needs to be; ‘Get in the Word!’
Romans 10:17(NKJV) – “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God”
Now here is the reward for your faith being tested-“Your endurance has a chance to grow.” In the NKJV version, James 1:3 reads “knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience”. So with these trials and the recognition that this is simply a faith test, I will grow in patience, which is one area of the fruits of the Spirit.
Beloved, it doesn’t stop there. The next verse states; “So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything”. Now, there are two things here I want to point out. First, for your endurance to be fully developed, it means you are probably going to be experiencing that “trial” for some time. It will not just go away overnight. Second, when your endurance has reached its maturity, you will notice your next reward, strength in character, and the ability to be ready for anything.
I want to bring to your attention that the scriptures used “anything” and not “something”. I highlight this simply because we can get caught up in “fighting” one or more battles without letting our patience mature which causes us to fight out of a place of little power. Hence, it may seem like we have been standing on the Word, but somehow we are not ready for anything. The disconnect lies in the maturity of our patience. We will be ready for anything if we endure and that’s what the Word says!!
The next verse is one of my favorite in the Bible, “If you need wisdom – if you want to know what God wants you to do – ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.” When facing these trials, we tend not to have a clear understanding of why, and the only one I know who has all the answers is God. So James tells us what to do, go ask for wisdom. God will tell you what to do. In these times, I have also noted the strategy which comes forth from the Holy Spirit.
I am currently going through a severe trial, which truly makes ‘no sense.’ Right now the Holy Spirit has had me do some really odd things to go against what others would think to do. This has made my life currently a Joy and opened up doors to do more ministry for Him. I am not saying it’s easy to bear, but I know since this personal trial started, I have not experienced and seen so much joy in my entire life.
Now some of you are saying, “Well Keisha you don’t know what I have gone through! It’s too much for me to handle, to keep going, much less to have joy in this situation”. Beloved, I may not know, but the Lord knows and He has already spoken to you in His Scriptures.
1 Peter 4:12-14(NIV) – Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
The trials you are facing are not strange! You are not the only one! I promise, you are not the first nor will you be the last to go through what you are facing, especially if it was caused by your outward confession of Christ. Rest assured that there is a reward awaiting you- the Word says it!! Read Matt 5:10-12
Matthew 5:10-12(NKJV) – Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
In my own case, the Lord has placed people who are in similar positions or have experienced a similar trial, in my life to help me bear the weight. With their prayers, and me continuing to feast on the Word, I have been able to stand and watch my patience grow. Let me share with you one area of caution while your patience is maturing; people will try to unnerve you with their “words of wisdom” which do nothing but add worry. Granted they can be rightfully concerned, but be careful who you share your heart with and listen to. Stand with God and use discernment.
I recall Ephesians 6:13(NKJV) – “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand”. You know the drill by now; suit up with God’s Armor, get your prayer partner, and stand on the Word the Lord gave you. So let’s go back to the beginning.
Do we have a reason to exude Joy in our “fiery trials?” Yes!! Absolutely!! Without a shadow of a doubt!! We must recognize that these trials are tests of our Faith and if we endure, we will grow more in patience. With mature endurance, we will be ready for anything, especially when we have petitioned God for wisdom and we our Joy is fulfilled. It’s not easy, but “You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you”. Count it ALL JOY!!
